Fungi, mycotoxins and phytoalexin in peanut varieties, during plant growth in the field

The aim of the present study was to analyze the mycobiota, occurrence of mycotoxins (aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid), and production of phytoalexin (trans-resveratrol) in two peanut varieties (Runner IAC 886 and Caiapَ) during plant growth in the field. Climatic factors (rainfall, relative humidity and temperature) and water activity were also evaluated. The results showed a predominance of Fusarium spp. in kernels and pods, followed by Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins were detected in 20% and 10% of samples of the IAC 886 and Caiapَ varieties, respectively. Analysis showed that 65% of kernel samples of the IAC 886 variety and 25% of the Caiapَ variety were contaminated with cyclopiazonic acid. trans-Resveratrol was detected in 6.7% of kernel samples of the IAC 886 variety and in 20% of the Caiapَ variety. However, trans-resveratrol was found in 73.3% of leaf samples in the two varieties studied.